Chapter 8
I turned my attention to the brightly lit stage, twirling the drink in my cup gently. I looked at Mallory (Evie) amused by the expression on her face. She looked entranced by the royal family’s entrance.
I took a sip of my drink, my mind racing about the reason for this invite.
There hasn’t been much interaction between my pack and King Matteo, and Lassumed he also didn’t recognize the validity of my pack.
“Welcome, alphas and Lunas to the 30th Alpha Conference. The king’s voice boomed over the speakers.
This conference is held annually to discuss issues bothering our kind and to also familiarize ourselves with each other. And this year we are adding another segment.”
My ears perked up at this, wondering what the king was up to. This wasn’t included in the invitation.
He continued. “As a way of leveling the playing field for all packs, projects, businesses, contracts and the likes, which would make a significant impact on our world and among our kind would only be announced here at the conference.
This will ensure all packs are given a fair advantage to know about and also participate in life–changing projects.”
A round of applause went up as the king paused in his speech. Joined in the applause, my mind still not settled and I felt silver stir a little bit. The king was about to reveal something big
And I wasn’t alone in this thought, the whole hall buzzed with murmurs wondering what the king was about to announce
I turned to stare at Mallory, her expression was unreadable as she toyed with the appetizer that was served earlier.
As the king cleared his throat, a hush fell on the crowd and his voice echoed.” Esteemed alphas and Lunas,” he paused, his eyes sweeping through the expectant faces of the guests. I felt myself move to the edge of my seat.
“As a way of kicking off this segment of the alpha convention, I am pleased to announce a major restructuring project of Pixie Forest.”
The air in the room suddenly felt sucked out as it fell into a deafening silence.
I stared silently, mulling over the king’s words. A mix of emotions swirled in me. Nostalgia, fear, anger.
My mother lived in pixie village after she was cast out. I was born there.
All alphas are welcome to bid for a chance to win the multi–billion–dollar restructuring contract.” The king concluded
Silver howled as my emotions began to rise. I recalled my father telling me how much my mother loved the place. I had a feeling the bid was going to spiral into a competitive issue given the amount of funds involved.
“Hey,” Mallory’s voice cut into my thoughts. Lost you there for a second.”
“I’m okay.” I replied.
Are you interested in the bid? Registration is over there,” she pointed at a corner that was rapidly getting filled up. “I don’t know about pixie forest but you look concerned,”
“Yeah. My mother lived there. It was a nice place before the wildfire destroyed it some years back.”
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Chapter 8
“Ohh I’m sorry. Don’t you want to get involved in the project?”
“I don’t enjoy involving myself with other alphas, and besides, I already have my hands full with pack duties.”
“It could be a nice way to honor her memory. You said you didnt know her that well but she sounds like someone who loved her child. This could be a good way of getting to know her; through a place she loved.”
I mused quietly over her words. Father always spoke kindly about her and she indeed loved pixie village.
“The place might hold some answers about your condition.” Silver growled inside which brought my mind racing with hope. I have to do this.
Before the announcement, I had no interest in whatever bid the king was about to propose, but now I had to get
involved.
I didn’t know my mom but she protected me as a baby when my grandfather cast us out and took care of me before I left
her.
“I’ll take part in it.” I said to Mallory, making a wide smile spread across her face which caught me off guard.
I felt my body heat up in response and my mind went to my dead wife, feeling guilty about my reaction.
“Let’s register before it gets filled up.” She announced, taking my outstretched arm and leading the way.
With a deep breath, we joined the queue waiting patiently for our turn. As we approached the registration desk, a voice boomed behind us.
– Well well, who do we have here?” I turned to see Felix, and from the corner of my eyes, I saw Mallory’s lips draw in a tight line as she eyed Willow perched on Felix’s arm with a mocking grin on her face. They fooked like the perfect match. Snakes.
I remained
quiet, an icy look on my face as I stared at Felix…
“What do you want, brother,” I replied, my voice tinged with boredom. His antics were getting old.
“Fake alpha who thinks he can play with the big guys because you were invited out of his majesty’s goodness, you want to feel among the real ones, huh?” He hollered, his voice echoing through the hall.
My eyes narrowed, and my jaw clenched. I felt Mallory’s hand slip into mine and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
“I have as much right as anyone else, Felix.”
Felix snorted. “You gathered a bunch of weaklings who let you phy Alpha; what makes you think you can handle a project of this magnitude?
Ohh, I see; your bitch mother once lived there.”
All eyes turned o me as the room fell silent. I felt my blood bo and it was taking every inch of my sanity to not hit Feltx.
“Enough!” The king’s voice boomed.
“Alpha Ivan has as much right as any of you here and is free to register for the bid?
I looked at Felix with a bored expression, daring him to say more so I could release the pent–up anger inside me. He scowled. and walked off. Willow at his heels.
I registered for the bid and walked out of the hall for a stroll to calm down, leaving Mallory inside.
17:26 Fri, Jan 3 B.
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Chapter 9
